By Syed Sammar Mehdi
Srinagar- A waste management plant built at Dangerpora Padgampora in Pulwama, funded with over Rs 6 crore, has reportedly turned into an open garbage dump, sparking outrage from climate activists and local residents.
The J&K Climate Action Group (JKCAG) has called on the J&K Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Principal Accountant General’s office to investigate the project.
In a recent site visit, the group found unscientific dumping, burning of waste, and foul odors affecting nearby communities.
“The municipal solid waste is scattered everywhere, and the smell is unbearable, even in this cold weather,” said Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat, JKCAG chairman.
“An irrigation canal that serves over 1,200 acres of paddy fields runs just 5 to 7 meters from the site. This clearly violates Municipal Solid Waste Rules 2016, the Water Act, and the Air Pollution Act.”
Locals said the site has become a haven for stray dogs, which roam the area in packs, attacking children, women, and livestock.
“Women avoid going to the fields, children are afraid to walk to school, and our livestock, especially sheep, are under threat,” said Mushtaq Ahmad, chairman of the Auqaf Committee in Dangerpora.
He added that plastic waste is spreading into nearby paddy lands, worsened by gusty winds, making life unbearable, especially in summer months.
The J&K Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) had previously inspected the site in August. Its report said the facility was constructed illegally without consent and warned that it threatens local habitats, biodiversity, and human health.
The report cited risks from leachate contaminating groundwater and increased disease from insects, birds, and stray animals.
Despite notices from the JKPCC for violating environmental and waste management laws, the Municipal Committee of Awantipora continues to use the site as a dumping ground.
Dr. Bhat said around Rs 6 crore have been spent, but the plant produces no usable output.
JKCAG said it will submit a formal report to the government, the ACB, and the PAG’s office, urging action to address the violations and protect local communities.
